A note from our Chairman…

Changes to Squad Structure – March 2019

Structure of the Swimming Squads

As part of the work carried out this year we have been looking at the structure of the swimming squads in line with the squad criteria released last year and how this fits within the operational workings and the swimmers’ pathway of the club. This also forms an integrated part of our development plans for our members and advancement of their personal goals and potential.

The new structure introduces the role of Senior Development Lead Coach, who will lead the development sections of the Club as well as leading stroke development clinics and heading up our end of season summer camps. This was announced in April 2018 as part of our development as a club and our future structure to support our swimmer pathway and we are delighted to announce that Nic Piper has accepted the role of Senior Development Lead Coach. Along side leading the County Development, County and Youth Development (formerly known as Youth Training) squads, he will also work closely with Stuart Ward and Stuart Marshall with our talent ID squad. This is a critical role within the club and Nic will work closely with the Head Coach and coaching team, as well as having the full backing of the Board to develop these key areas to support the club’s future development.

We have also identified that, to continue the development of our members and our performance as a club, we will have a number of the squads under the Performance Group. This will include Youth Squad (formerly called Youth Group), Regional Squad (Performance Squad) and the National Squad.

This has given us the opportunity to strengthen our depth of coaching staff with the introduction of a Performance Squad coach who will lead the Regional Squad and support the Head Coach with the National Squad. This position is currently being advertised for and Nic has agreed to lead this squad until the new coach has been appointed. Dave Woods will lead the Youth Squad and work with our Head Coach to develop the squad and its members. Stuart Marshall will lead the talent ID squad and work closely with Stuart Ward and Nic Piper on developing the pathways from teaching to the swimming pathway. Pauline Draper will continue to lead our Para Swimming Squad.

We are also well advanced in the recruitment of the Masters Coach and the Assistant Swimming Coach. With these changes put in place, creating the new structure, and with the support of the coaching team we are well placed for the next stage of our development to move the club forward.

I am sure you will join me in wishing everyone success in the revised structure and support them in moving our club forward.